What Matters Most?

Animal Behavior

From Strengths Blindness to Strengths Harmony

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on November 14, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Here's a story of strengths blindness, strengths collision, awe, and connection with an unlikely critter.

Social Life

5 Responses to the Middle Finger

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on August 14, 2023

When someone offends you, what might you do? Check out these five potential responses to a common offense.

Boredom

Strengths Psychology: Boring or Exciting?

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on October 6, 2022

When you hear the word "strengths," what comes to mind?

Loneliness

When You Feel Lonely, Try These 5 Social Strengths

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on August 2, 2022

When people feel isolated, lonely, or excluded, they report using these five character strengths to lift them up.

Forgiveness

The 5 Mental Strengths People Most Wish For

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on May 7, 2022

The character strengths that people want for their mental health may surprise you. Are these important to you as well?

Cognition

How to Build Your Judgment and Critical Thinking

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on April 28, 2022

Blessed are the critical thinkers, for they help us understand and find truth. See this blessing unfold in a dialogue with a great critical thinker.

Creativity

How to Become More Creative

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on April 14, 2022

"Blessed are the creative, for they spark fresh choices and new growth." Understand this beatitude/blessing through a powerful story and apply it in your own life.

Fear

How to Become More Brave

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on April 8, 2022

Everyone could use more bravery. Learn how through a compelling story and the new bravery blessing.

Relationships

War and Helplessness: 5 Ways to Feel Better Now

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on March 8, 2022

Feeling overwhelmed by the war? Take control by creating more peace.

Depression

10 New Studies on Strengths and Adversity

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on October 8, 2021

Looking for new ways to manage adversity in life? Turn to the latest research in the science of character.

Spirituality

Just Released: New Findings on Character Strengths

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on May 14, 2021

The science of character strengths took another leap forward with a special journal issue dedicated to understanding, studying, and developing what is best in human beings.

Anxiety

The Strengths of a King: What I Learned From Larry King

Ryan M. Niemiec Psy.D. on January 26, 2021

What is it like to be interviewed by a living legend? What if anxiety attempts to get in your way? How might character strengths be helpful to make the most of the experience?